Meet the Governors

Academy Governors

Chair of Governors

Claire NeIson- Boden

I became an academy governor in March 2018, shortly after my eldest son joined Oatlands Infant School. I was struck by the school’s caring ethos and wanted to give something back. My youngest son joined in 2019, and it’s been a joy to see the school continue to grow and thrive.

After two and a half years as a governor, I was honoured to become Chair in October 2020. It’s a challenging but deeply rewarding role, offering the chance to support the school and develop strategic leadership skills. As governors, we work closely with Mr Harrison and the staff team, acting as a “critical friend”, providing both support and challenge to help the school be the best it can be. We focus on the school’s vision, ethos, educational outcomes, and financial oversight.

Outside of governance, I’m currently on a career break and enjoy supporting the PTAs at Oatlands Junior School and St Aidan’s CE High School. In my spare time, you’ll often find me making seasonal crafts!

Vice Chair of Governors

Fran Metcalfe

Before I joined the Governing body here at Oatlands, I previously worked as a Primary School teacher in Leeds. I then decided to focus more on Early Years becoming a Children’s Centre teacher, which was some of the most rewarding years of my career. In 2015 I stepped away from teaching to raise a family of my own and became a full-time Mummy.

In 2019 my eldest child started Reception at Oatlands Infant School. From this point I have watched the school go on their path of development through the most challenging years ever seen in education. I was so impressed to watch the staff team drive forward with their aims and actions during these difficult times and always put the children at the heart. I feel now is the right time to give something back to the school as a governor and support the school in the next part of their journey.

During my free time I enjoy going to the gym, running and trying to master the art of football via my two boys.

Clerk

Leanne Eaton

Sarah Vines

I joined the governing body in September 2022.

My family and I relocated to Harrogate from East Sussex in 2018 and my daughter joined reception at Oatlands. We were very impressed by the warm and friendly welcome that we received from everyone at Oatlands which really helped us to settle in.

I'm very much looking forward to being a member of the governing team and putting my experience to good use to help support the school. I have a background in finance working in both manufacturing and more recently as part of the central finance team for a local Trust.

In my spare time I enjoy walking in the amazing Yorkshire countryside and playing the odd game of badminton.

Julia Buckingham

I became a Parent Governor in July 2021. I have two children at Oatlands Infant School, one starting Year 2 in September 2021 and the other starting in Reception.

My family and I moved to Harrogate in January 2020 as we wanted to settle near family. My daughter started in Reception at Oatlands in the New Year 2021 and I was immediately impressed with how welcoming and friendly the school was. I see becoming a Parent Governor as an opportunity to support the school, which in turn supports the children who attend.

My husband and I both left the RAF to move to Harrogate. I was a commissioned officer (solicitor) for over 11 years and before that, I was a criminal defence solicitor in central London for 9 years. In the RAF, I specialised in employment law, personnel issues in general and public (administrative) law. I continue to serve in the RAF but now I serve as a Reservist, part-time from home in between trying to get to the gym due to my new lockdown hobby of baking sourdough bread!

Frank Pinder

Helen Coen

Shaun Stevenson

Parent Governors

Deri Trigg

Christine Jones

I was elected as parent governor in November 2024. I have 3 children - the eldest spent three very happy years at Oatlands, my middle child is currently in Year 1 and my youngest will be due to start in September 2025.

We moved to the area from London in 2020 and were really impressed with the warm welcome and the community feel of the school. I'm looking forward to supporting the school as part of the governing body, as well as a school parent.

My background is in marketing communications and I have worked for a number of public sector organisations including local government and healthcare trusts. I currently work on national marketing campaigns for the Department for Work and Pensions.

Outside of work and being a parent, I enjoy good food, good wine and watching Newcastle United (when they win).